Physicians in Cyprus successfully treated Stylianos’ cancer, but the Kortas family had to search further from home for solutions to the lasting damage caused by the long and difficult treatment. They traveled to the United States where they found a physician who would change Stylianos’ life.

Northwestern Medicine interventional gastroenterologist Amrita Sethi, MD, still working in New York at the time, agreed to take Stylianos’ case. When Dr. Sethi joined Northwestern Medicine, Stylianos became the first international patient to receive care at the Center for Advanced Endoscopy at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois.

“No hospital in Europe accepted us because of my condition, so we requested [an appointment] at Columbia Hospital in New York. There we met Dr. Sethi, our doctor now,” said Stylianos. “I was excited that finally someone wanted to help me.”

A Journey of Survival

Stylianos was diagnosed with advanced lymphoma at age 14. During four rounds of chemotherapy, he experienced massive hemorrhages and severe infections that threatened his young life. As their son’s life hung in the balance, the family leaned on one another, their faith and their community to navigate these challenges.

“Four times Stylianos almost died. It was very difficult, but we gave our hope to God,” said his father Georgios Kortas, a Greek Orthodox priest. “Many times, Stylianos said to us that ‘If it's my time, I will be near God.’ And that gave us the power.”

Despite the challenges, the treatment was successful and Stylianos’ cancer entered remission. However, this was not the end of his medical challenges. He was left with complex gastrointestinal complications including chronic inflammation within the digestive tract, recurrent pancreatitis and significant narrowing of the upper small intestine (duodenal stricture) leaving him unable to digest or pass food. Stylianos was malnourished and rapidly losing weight, relying on intravenous feeding and nutritional formula while his parents and four brothers continued daily meals around him.

“We were cooking for everybody, and he was just taking his milk because he didn’t have any other choice,” said Maria Kortas, his mother. “We were waiting for somebody to help us with this.”

Physicians in Cyprus made one unsuccessful attempt at a specialized procedure called ERCP to remedy the complications, followed by two more attempts in London. The coils placed to control bleeding had migrated into Stylianos’ small intestine, causing obstruction and making it impossible to advance the endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera used to see inside the digestive tract. When hospitals across Europe declined to take on his complex case, the family expanded their search to the United States.

A Slice of Hope

In New York, the family met with a team of physicians that included Dr. Sethi. The team determined that endoscopic intervention was the best approach. This allowed Stylianos to avoid major surgery, but left it as an option should the minimally invasive approach not succeed. 

“When I first met Stylianos and his family, they were scared and concerned that their son had not been able to eat for many months,” said Dr. Sethi, now medical director of the Center for Advanced Endoscopy. “He had really lost so much weight. He had been an athlete before. He had a vibrant life. And now he was failing to thrive.”

Between January 2025 and August 2025, the Kortas family traveled to New York three times to continue Stylianos’ care. Through multiple endoscopic procedures, Dr. Sethi successfully dilated the narrowed portion of his intestine and removed some of the coils allowing food to pass again.

“She was the first doctor who could treat him and make him eat after two years,” said Maria. “He was about 55 kilos (121 pounds) when Dr. Sethi first took care of him. Now he's 68 kilos (150 pounds).”

For his first solid food in months, Stylianos chose a cheesy slice of New York-style pizza. The moment marked more than a return to eating. It symbolized hope.

“When he ate the first piece of pizza, I remember he smiled. I will never forget it. For me and Maria, it was like we’re going to cry,” said Georgios.

Following Care to Chicago

While Stylianos experienced significant improvement following the procedures, ongoing endoscopic interventions would be necessary to maintain his health. When Dr. Sethi informed the family that she was relocating to Chicago in August 2025 to help launch the new Northwestern Medicine Center for Advanced Endoscopy, the family decided they would follow her.

“She advised us to continue care [in New York] and assured us she would continue to assist when needed,” said Georgios. “However, we could no longer trust any other physician. She became our doctor and we wanted to continue with her. We have complete trust in her.”

Even when he experienced new episodes of pancreatitis back home in Cyprus, Stylianos declined to proceed with any other physician. His parents supported the decision.

“I know Dr. Sethi is an excellent doctor and that’s why I believe following her here was the right choice,” said Stylianos.

A New Path Forward

In June 2026, the family arrived in Chicago for Stylianos to resume care with Dr. Sethi at the new Center for Advanced Endoscopy at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. Designed to treat the most complex digestive conditions, the center offers a level of care typically only available at large, academic medical centers.

“This center was built specifically to help patients like Stylianos,” said Dr. Sethi. “We have the equipment, the space and, most importantly, the team, both in endoscopy and within the hospital, to support these very complex cases.”

The goal for Stylianos’ treatment was to unblock the pancreatic duct to control how fluid moved through his pancreas. Knowing that ERCP was not possible, Dr. Sethi used a more advanced method called EUS-guided ERCP to place a stent connecting the stomach and pancreas.

“The connection creates a new avenue for the pancreatic fluid to drain properly when the normal route is blocked or inaccessible,” said Dr. Sethi. “Our hope is that as things continue to drain, his pancreas function will return and he won't require additional help from enzyme supplements to digest food.”

Home, Away from Home

With the assistance of Northwestern Medicine Global Services, the family secured three weeks of housing at the Ronald McDonald House: Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital just across the street from the hospital. The House features all the comforts of home, including private bedrooms and bathrooms, daily meals prepared by volunteers, laundry facilities, a community kitchen, game rooms, play spaces, fitness equipment and more. 

“Families can stay as long as they are receiving treatment,” said Kelly Evans, regional director of programs and operations, west region for Ronald McDonald House: Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana. “We support our international families with the same comfort and care we do with any of our families. We communicate before they come so they're aware of all our amenities and prepared upon their arrival. When they arrive, we try to help them as much as we can for things like securing Ubers or finding grocery stores.”  

For the Kortas family, the proximity to the hospital and support offered at the Ronald McDonald House helped ease the stress of traveling far from home. 

“It’s not easy to leave your family and come here. It’s very far,” said Maria. “We didn’t know how far the House was from the hospital or what to expect. It’s very near and it’s very good.” 

Deep Dish & Best Wishes

Following the successful procedure, the Kortas family explored Chicago visiting iconic landmarks like “The Bean” and the “Home Alone House,” as well as enjoying an architectural boat cruise, a Segway tour, and river kayaking. They caught Chicago Wolves and Chicago Sky games and enjoyed the forest preserves around Winfield. Georgios and Maria focused on one of Chicago’s most recognized ambassadors.

“I played basketball and my wife played basketball. We grew up with Michael Jordan, so I would like to see his court,” said Georgios. “I think we learned Chicago from Michael Jordan.”

For Stylianos, his focus was on learning local history and trying Chicago’s iconic deep dish pizza, a meal that seemed impossible just months earlier. With Dr. Sethi’s blessing, the Northwestern Medicine team surprised Stylianos with a send-off celebration featuring both Chicago styles of pizza: deep dish and tavern‑style.

“Foods like pizza are what we use our pancreas for, but it can be very taxing on the pancreas,” said Dr. Sethi. “We'll always say ‘in moderation,’ but to see him eat pizza and know that he doesn't have to be in pain is wonderful. We've gotten him to a point where he can enjoy these small things and be a kid again.”

After starting his food journey with a New York slice, Stylianos gave his final verdict: Chicago-style deep dish reigns supreme.

“I think Chicago – the deep dish. The crust is amazing,” he said between bites of a cheesy slice.

Looking Ahead

Now stronger and continuing to regain weight, Stylianos is focused on resuming his life in Cyprus and planning his future. He will finish school next year and hopes to one day become a doctor. An ambition inspired by the woman who gave him his life and appetite back.

“When you go through these difficult situations, you're inspired by those people. Now he wants to be a doctor, like Dr. Sethi,” said Maria.

For Dr. Sethi, knowing the young patient she first met in a hospital bed struggling to eat is focused on his future is rewarding validation of what’s possible at the Center for Advanced Endoscopy.

“It's a gift to know that the work that you do has that kind of impact, not only immediately in helping somebody's health, but in their outlook and the way they think about how they can make an impact on others and give them purpose,” said Dr. Sethi. “Seeing young people be inspired in this way is the best outcome we can have as mentors and educators, roles that I can fulfill through the center.”

This journey has already delivered something simple and profound to the Kortas family: the ability to sit down together again and share a meal.

“We feel immense gratitude for the doctors and medical teams who helped our son. The doctors in Cyprus who kept him alive at the Pediatric Oncology Clinic, especially the director. As well as the intensive care doctor at Makario Hospital, who fought so hard to keep our Stylianos alive,” said Georgios. “They helped him beat cancer and emerge victorious through the challenging moments during his treatment. And when we needed further care, we found Dr. Sethi. She gave our son the chance to start eating again.”

The family hopes sharing their story can inspire others facing the same uncertainty.

“Without these doctors, but also without God's help and the prayers of so many people, our son would not be here today. We are deeply grateful,” said Georgios.

About the Northwestern Medicine Center for Advanced Endoscopy

Part of Northwestern Medicine’s Digestive Health Institute, the Center for Advanced Endoscopy is anchored by physicians who are leaders in their field, prominent researchers, and pioneers of endoscopic techniques used worldwide. As one of only a few stand-alone advanced endoscopy sites in the United States, the center is expected to draw individuals from around the globe seeking treatment for the most complex gastrointestinal conditions. 

For more information about the Center for Advanced Endoscopy at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, visit www.nm.org/cae. To make an appointment, call 630-933-4448.